Iran's World Cup Spot in Jeopardy Due to U.S. Visa Issues

0:00It's April 29th. This is Entertainment and Celebrity News. Today pop culture, powered by AI. Iran's soccer federation skipped a big meeting of Asian soccer bosses in Vancouver on Tuesday because of US visa troubles, putting their spot in. This summer's World Cup is serious doubt. The tournaments hosted across North America with the US as the main spot, and Iran's team is drawn into Group G facing New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. Their sports minister just last week boasted they'd show up proud, but these visa snags keep piling up. They had the same headache trying to hit the World Cup draw in Washington last December, and things got worse after recent US and Israeli strikes on. Iran starting late February, everyone's reacting hot. Iran pushed FIFA to shift all their games to Mexico, but no dice. President Trump blasted on social media that Iran's team shouldn't come for their own safety, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio said athletes and staff are safe to pass,

1:00but drew the line at execs, journalists, or extra crew. FIFA's president Gianni Infantino kept it chill at the meeting, stressing unity and peace across borders no matter what. Their matches are locked in for Los Angeles on June 15th against New Zealand, June 21st versus Belgium, and June 26th in Seattle with Egypt. As the full FIFA Congress hits Thursday, Iran's still scrambling for visas, so we'll see if they make the cup, or if politics benches them for good.